Does sex actually make you smarter?

Looking for a way to work out the brain but hate Sudoku puzzles and memorizing poetry? According to researchers the answer to keeping an aging brain from getting atrophied could be in the bedroom.

Studies in Maryland and South Korea have recently found that sexual activity in lab rodents improves mental performance and “increases neurogenesis (the production of new neurons) in the hippocampus, where long-term memories are formed.” The University of Maryland study found that middle aged rodent test subjects showed signs of improved cognitive function when allowed sexual activity. Konkuk University in Seoul came to the similar finding that “sexual interaction could be helpful for buffering adult hippocampal neurogenesis and recognition memory function against the suppressive actions of chronic stress.”

In other words, sex can actually help you grow new brain cells and improve your memory.

That’s not to say you can give up the brain games and college extension courses entirely: research still shows that the best way to keep up the rate of new brain cell production is through effortful and intentional learning and retention. Why not have the best of both worlds and up your learning curve in bed?